Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed Calum Chambers to improve from a disappointing display in Monday's goalless draw with Liverpool.
Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny were both absent from the team for the stalemate at the Emirates Stadium, and Chambers was given problems on a regular basis by the Liverpool attack on his first start for the club since March.
The 20-year-old is set to keep his place in the side for the meeting with Newcastle United on Saturday and has received a vote of confidence from his manager.
"He showed character. The positive of the night - he did not have the best performance in the first half - was the way he recovered," the Gunners boss told reporters. "He showed his mental strength.
"He has lost a bit of confidence, compared to the player he was last year. Maybe it's through not playing too much, the under-21 tournament did not help him too much, as he did not play at all.
"I have spoken to him and he's a strong footballer, a dedicated player who is ready to work day and night. He has the talent to be a good player."
Chambers has started 18 Premier League games since arriving from Southampton last summer.
Callum Mulvihill
